🇬🇧 Travelling to London
💭 When’s the best time to visit London?
In my humble opinion, the seasons to savor in London are autumn, Christmas time, and spring. Autumn in this city is simply enchanting, and the Christmas lights transform it into a winter wonderland. Plus, spring blooms add a touch of magic to the scene.
Now, for the practical-minded tourists out there, it seems like summer is when most folks plan their London escapades. But hold your horses!
You see, when June, July, and August roll around, London turns into a bustling beehive of people. It's like trying to navigate a maze filled with excited travelers. So, I'd say, give summer a pass!
However, if you've already checked the major tourist hotspots off your list and you're feeling a bit adventurous, consider a visit during summer to explore the less crowded, more local London neighborhoods. You'll find hidden gems and local charm that'll make your second visit a fantastic adventure!
💭 What should I pack for London?
I'm thrilled you're curious! Stay tuned for my guide on packing tips for all four fantastic seasons in jolly old London! 🌦❄️🌷🍂
💭 Where should I stay in London?
Stay tuned for my awesome London hotel hints, London hostel suggestions, and quirky short-term stays in the city to help you zero in on your choices!
💭 How long would you recommend for visiting London?
Ideally, give it a week to explore the awesomeness of London! 🇬🇧 But, if time's playing hard to get, 3-5 days should do the trick!
P.S. - Let's face it, London's like an infinite treasure hunt – it's next to impossible to see everything in one visit. Plus there's always something going on in every season! So, get ready to make multiple visits if you're smitten with the city's charm. 🌆🛫
💭 How do I get around in London?
With a plethora of transportation choices in London, you'll find yourself hopping on the iconic London Underground and catching a ride on the trusty TfL buses.
These fantastic modes of transit will whisk you away to almost any destination you desire (after all, we do boast one of the world's finest transportation systems!).
💭 Should I get an Oyster card for my trip to London?
London's transport game just got a whole lot cooler. Now, you can hop on those iconic double-decker buses and zippy tubes using your trusty contactless card. And guess what? It doesn't even matter if your card is jet-setting from another corner of the globe! As long as it's got that nifty contactless payment feature, you're good to go.
But wait, there's more! If you're all about scoring sweet deals on attractions or simply want to embrace the quintessential London experience with a good old Oyster card, we've got you covered. Just swing by any airport in London when you land (sorry, London Southend Airport, you're not in on this secret), and snag a Visitor Oyster for a mere £5. It's like joining an exclusive club! Don't forget to load it up with a cool £20 to kickstart your adventure in style. 🇬🇧💂♂️
💭 Can I use my debit card on the Tube?
If your bank card shows the contactless payment symbol, you can use it to pay as you go straight away. You'll pay an adult rate fare.
💭 What attractions should I visit in London?
If you're new to London town, here's the scoop on where to kick-start your adventure with some top-notch London attractions! And guess what? You can be a savvy sightseer by grabbing yourself a Go City Explorer Pass or The London Pass to save some quid on your journey!
💭 How do I save on my trip to London?
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Plan your adventure well ahead and target those less crowded months, such as November or February.
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Embrace the Airbnb or hostel experience for a more exciting stay.
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Snag yourself a London travel pass – the key to unlocking this city's magic.
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Opt for those fantastic free walking tours instead of the traditional double-decker bus tours.
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Steer clear of the crowded tube during peak hours when fares skyrocket.
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P.S. - I've got a treasure trove of London-saving hacks for you! 😄
💭 What hidden gems in London should I visit?
If you're looking for a fresh adventure, stay tuned for my hidden gems in London!
💭 Is London safe?
London is a real hoot to explore, but just like any bustling metropolis, a little dose of street-savviness can go a long way during your adventure. Stay tuned for my detailed guide!
💭 Any tips for solo female travellers to London?
So much to share! If you're up for a solo adventure in London, stay tuned for my handy guide.
Inside, you'll find awesome lodging suggestions, nifty safety advice, and a handful of personalised, solo-traveler-approved itineraries to rock your London escapade!
💭 Do you have any tips for doing a London trip with kids?
Sure thing, if I become a parent, I'll be dishing out advice left and right! Until then, I'm not about to start preaching about uncharted territory.
💭 What food should I try in London?
Oh my goodness, there are oodles of delicious dishes to dive into in London! Feast your eyes on the list of iconic London eats you absolutely must savor, and don't forget to check out my jolly good London food guides for some lip-smacking inspiration!
💭 Do you have any Afternoon Tea spot recommendations in London?
Oh, you bet I've got the inside scoop on this one!
💭 Do you have any London tours or experiences you’d recommend in London?
I've got a bunch of awesome experiences, but if I had to pick my fab five:
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Brigit's Bakery Bus Tour – Rollin' and munchin' in style!
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Regent's Canal Boat Ride – Floatin' through scenic canals like a boss.
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Secret British Food Tour – Unveil the hidden gems of British cuisine.
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Sunset Cruise across the Thames – Sail into the horizon with a view to thrill!
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Climb the Roof at the O2 – Take your adventure to new heights on this rooftop escapade!
💭 Any London day trip recommendations?
Absolutely, let's embark on an epic journey through time and space, well, at least through the UK's fantastic public transit system! 🚆 Here's a list of awesome destinations you can reach from London:
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Oxford (Approximately 1 to 1 ½ hours away)
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Cambridge (Just a cool 1-hour train ride)
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Brighton (Only an hour from London)
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Stonehenge and Salisbury (A mere 2 hours and 15 minutes away)
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Manchester (Clocking in at 2 hours and 20 minutes)
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Whitstable (A breezy 1 hour and 30 minutes from London)
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Rye (Also 1 hour and 30 minutes away)
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Bath (A quick 1 hour and 20 minutes from London)
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Newcastle (A bit farther, but worth the 3-hour journey)
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Hastings (2 hours of fun!)
And remember, for all your train ticket needs, don't forget to use Trainline to snag the best deals on your exciting day trips! 🚄💨💨💨
💭 Can you help me plan my trip to London?
I'm totally up for some London trip consultations! 😎 If you're keen on exploring the city, hit me up at neha@literallyneha.com. Let's chat travel! 🇬🇧✈️
🏡 Living in London
💭 What are the pros and cons of living in London?
In my opinion*
Pros – Get ready for a whirlwind of diversity! The city's like a delicious melting pot of cultures. It's so walkable; you'll practically have a built-in daily exercise routine. And don't even get me started on the transport system – it's like a well-oiled machine! With endless things to do, you'll never run out of fun. Plus, it's your gateway to the rest of Europe – pack your bags and explore! Global connections? Check! Business opportunities? You bet! Networking? A breeze! And job opportunities are practically raining from the sky!
Cons – Okay, so it's a bit on the pricey side. And let's be real, the weather doesn't always play nice. But hey, the city's a constant swirl of people coming and going, so there's always something new happening!
💭 How did you move to London, Neha?
I was raised in London but in the whimsical adventure of my life, I moved to India when I was 15 years old where I studied and worked until I moved back to London in 2018.
💭 How do I move to London?
I'm working on a guide that will be like a treasure trove of info, and it'll have you covered on all things London-bound (no kidding). Stay tuned!
💭 How do I find a job in London?
Finding a job in London can be a real adventure. Start by polishing up your CV and tailoring it to the specific job you're after. Then, hit the internet - job boards like Indeed, and LinkedIn are your go-to places. Also, don't underestimate the power of networking; join local professional groups and attend meet-ups or conferences in your field. LinkedIn can be a goldmine for making connections too. When applying, craft a killer cover letter, and don't forget to follow up. Oh, and be prepared for interviews; practice common questions and do your homework on the company. London's job market is competitive, but with a dash of determination and a pinch of British charm, you'll be sipping tea with your new colleagues in no time! 🇬🇧💼😄
💭 How do I get a bank account before I move to London?
To open a UK bank account before your arrival, you can explore options with banks that offer international account services. Reach out to major UK banks such as HSBC, Barclays, or Lloyds, which often have dedicated teams to assist expats. They might allow you to set up an account without a UK address by relying on your home address or a temporary address in London. You'll likely need to provide documents like your passport, proof of address in your home country, and financial history.
Additionally, consider digital banks like Monzo, which are popular choices for newcomers. These institutions often have straightforward account-opening processes that don't require a local address. Just remember to check their specific requirements, and you'll be well on your way to managing your finances while embracing the London life! 🇬🇧💷🏦
💭 Where should I live in London?
Interesting question! Stay tuned for into my super-duper London neighbourhood guide for some seriously cool recommendations. 🇬🇧💂♀️
💭 Any short term accommodation recommendations while I look for a place in London?
You bet! Stay tuned for my guide.
Don’t see your question?
Send me an email (neha@literallyneha.com) and I’ll get back to you!